Governor Charles Warren Lippitt

CHARLES WARREN LIPPITT was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated from Brown University in 1865, did post-graduate work, and traveled before joining his father’s cotton and woolen manufacturing firm. During his father’s gubernatorial term, he served as chief of staff. He was President of the Providence Board of Trade from 1881 to 1883, the Providence Commercial Club in 1884, and the Social Manufacturing Company from 1891 to 1901. He also was an officer of the Rhode Island National Bank of Providence from 1891 to 1901, Chairman of the Republican State Convention in 1894, and President of the Brown University Alumni Association in 1897. He ran for governor supporting the interests of industry and social order, advocating protective tariffs and licensing of liquor sales. During his gubernatorial administration, the cornerstone of the new State House in Providence was laid, electors rejected a proposed amendment to the state constitution to hold biennial elections, the office of State Record Commissioner was created, and married women were permitted to make contracts. After completing his gubernatorial service, Lippitt remained active in numerous civic and social organizations.